Group founding and breeding structure in the subsocial spider Stegodyphus lineatus (Eresidae)

Article Abstract:

Group founding and breeding structure in Stegodyphus lineatus (Eresidae), a subsocial spider, is discussed based on a study with sampling at various locations in Israel to investigate breeding structure. Two processes may contribute to similarity of individuals in populations or breeding groups, philopatry in stable environments and founder events in a stochastic environment and both processes have been shown to lead to genetic differentiation within and among populations.

Israel, Germany, Spiders, Desert ecology

Genetic similarity as a measure for connectivity between fragmented populations of the moor frog (Rana arvalis)

Article Abstract:

Fragmented populations of the moor frog (Rana arvalis) have been studied to evaluate genetic similarity as a measure for connectivity between such populations. The number of barriers, such as roads and railways, between populations was found to be a factor reducing exchange between populations. Genetic techniques do show potential in determining the influence of landscape on connectivity on animal dispersal.

Netherlands, Environmental aspects, Frogs, Heredity, Genetic research

Genetic differentiation among northern and southern populations of the moor frog Rana arvalis Nilsson in central Europe

Article Abstract:

Genetic differentiation has been studied in the moor frog, Rana arvalis Nilsson, in fourteen northern and southern populations in central Europe. Discriminant analysis on 11 size-adjusted body measurements showed quite a lot of overlap between populations from different areas. No fixed differences were found in allele composition for the two regions.

Poland, Amphibians, Biogeomorphology, Phytogeography